My linguistics speaking tour continues in Queensland!

The latest stage of my 2026 linguistics speaking tour took me to CapriCon Pop Culture Convention in Rockhampton, Queensland, as a main-stage presenter.

My presentation explored the linguistics of Star Trek, with a particular focus on the development and evolution of Klingon as a constructed language. Beyond its significance within popular culture, Klingon provides a fascinating case study through which to consider phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, language construction, and the relationship between language, culture and identity.

A second session moved from linguistic analysis into applied learning through a Klingon Comic Workshop. This creative writing and comic-strip masterclass invited participants to experiment with Klingon through sequential art, storytelling and character development — demonstrating how language learning can be approached through multimodal, embodied and creative pedagogies.

My sincere thanks to CapriCon Pop Culture Convention for inviting and flying me to Rockhampton to present, and for the generous hospitality throughout the event.

It was also a pleasure to finally work alongside MC Ben Sorensen, whose engagement and professionalism contributed enormously to the main-stage experience.

Events such as CapriCon provide an interesting reminder that linguistics does not need to remain confined to the lecture theatre. Popular culture, constructed languages, comics and storytelling can provide meaningful points of entry into understanding how languages are structured, learned, used and connected to culture.

On the road again!

Capricon Pop Culture Convention, Rockhampton North Queensland, August 27

I had a great time with the audience at Capricon Pop Culture Convention in Rockhampton, North Queensland, during my linguistic presentation about languages created for the tv and film industry!

Included in this leg of the tour was a constructed language keynote to pop culture fans and language enthusiasts about languages explicitly created for the TV and film industry, for example; the Klingon language; where it is spoken and to which language family it belongs, number of speakers and percentage of children speaking it; basic knowledge in a language such as greetings; unique characteristics; and information about where it might be possible to continue to learn the language in Australia or online.

The constructed language presentation was a hit with the audience with plenty of interaction during the post-presentation Q&A!

My second presentation at CapriCon Rockhampton investigated the 'Politics of Tintin,' specifically the linguistic context, stereotypes, representations, and controversies in the early Tintin albums and period children's storybook adventures.  

Special thanks to the audiences attending both presentations!

During the convention the first stage of marketing and promoting my exciting bilingual storybook adventure, The Adventures of Paris and Freddie, was undertaken. The adventure is written in the French and English languages, and set in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia! 

I look forward to engaging with audiences during the next legs of the tour in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne!

Guest MC at the Adelaide opening night event of Thor, Love and Thunder!

I had ball as MC hosting the opening night event of Thor, Love and Thunder at the Palace Eastend Cinema tonight!

During the pre-screening presentation, I included a history of the character since its inception 60 years ago and insight into the Asgardian language spoken by Thor.

Appreciative thanks to the Palace Eastend Cinema for the booking, and to Greenlight Comics for their groovy prize packs given to two lucky winners during the presentation!

I look forward to the next stage of my speaking tour!